San Diego brewer Jack R. White Jr. has a problem that many business owners would envy: He can’t keep up with the demand for his handcrafted beer.

So the 45-year-old president and founder of Ballast Point Brewing decided it was time to make more of his popular brews — Sculpin IPA, Black Marlin Porter and Wahoo Wheat, to name a few.

Last year, he used a U.S. Small Business Administration loan to double the size of his brewery and add tanks, equipment and reinforced floors. That $1.2 million loan allowed him to hire 10 more employees, bringing the total to 50. He’s producing 30,000 barrels a year, up from 20,000.

In recognition of his success, the federal government this week named White its California Small Business Person of the Year.

“It’s an honor for our entire team at Home Brew Mart and Ballast Point, and I’m happy to accept it on their behalf,” White said. “We’ve got a really good crew of talented people who have helped build our success.”

The award is issued by the SBA in Washington, D.C. White was nominated by his banker at Wells Fargo.

Ruben Garcia, the SBA district director for San Diego, said he is “extremely proud” of the local brewery.

In making these awards, judges consider factors such as how long the business has been operating, its growth in employees and whether it offers innovative products or services.

Ballast Point grew out of White’s home brewing hobby. He established Home Brew Mart, a small store that sells beer-brewing and winemaking equipment, in the early 1990s.